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Bad Astronomy

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Author: Phil Plait

Misconceptions and Misuses Revealed, from Astrology to the Moon Landing “Hoax””Bad Astronomy is just plain good! Philip Plait clears up every misconception on astronomy and space you never knew you suffered from.” –Stephen Maran, Author of Astronomy for Dummies and editor of The Astronomy and Astrophysics Encyclopaedia
“Thank the cosmos for the bundle of star stuff named Philip Plait, who is the world s leading consumer advocate for quality science in space and on Earth. This important contribution to science will rest firmly on my reference library shelf, ready for easy access the next time an astrologer calls.” –Dr. Michael Shermer, Publisher of Skeptic magazine, monthly columnist for Scientific American, and author of The Borderlands of Science
“Philip Plait has given us a readable, erudite, informative, useful, and entertaining book. Bad Astronomy is Good Science. Very good science…” –James “The Amazing” Randi, President, James Randi Educational Foundation, and author of An Encyclopaedia of Claims, Frauds, and Hoaxes of the Occult and Supernatural
“Bad Astronomy is a fun read. Plait is wonderfully witty and educational as he debunks the myths, legends, and ‘conspiracies that abound in our society. ‘The Truth Is Out There’ and it’s in this book. I loved it!” –Mike Mullane, Space Shuttle astronaut and author of Do Your Ears Pop in Space?

Astronomy Hacks

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Author: Robert and Barbara Thompson

Why use the traditional approach to study the stars when you can turn computers, handheld devices, and telescopes into out-of-this-world stargazing tools? Whether you’re a first timer or an advanced hobbyist, you’ll find Astronomy Hacks both useful and fun. From upgrading your optical finder to photographing stars, this book is the perfect cosmic companion. This handy field guide covers the basics of observing, and what you need to know about tweaking, tuning, adjusting, and tricking out a ‘scope. Expect priceless tips and tools for using a Dobsonian Telescope, the large-aperture telescope you can inexpensively build in your garage. Get advice on protocols involved with using electronics including in dark places without ruining the party.                                                                                            “Astronomy Hacks” begins the space exploration by getting you set up with the right equipment for observing and admiring the stars in an urban setting. Along for the trip are first rate tips for making most of observations. The hacks show you how to: Dark-Adapt Your Notebook Computer Choose the Best Binocular Clean Your Eyepieces and Lenses Safely Upgrade Your Optical Finder Photograph the Stars with Basic Equipment The O’Reilly Hacks series has reclaimed the term “hacking” to mean innovating, unearthing, and creating shortcuts, gizmos, and gears. With these hacks, you don’t dream it-you do it–and “Astronomy Hacks” brings space dreams to life. The book is essential for anyone who wants to get the most out of an evening under the stars and have memorable celestial adventures.

Astrophysics for People in a Hurry

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Author: Neil de Grasse Tyson

The title of astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson’s book is certainly accurate. He begins with a plunge into the universe prior to the big bang and immediately explodes outward into explanations of a changing cosmos. Tyson explains with passionate enthusiasm where elements come from, why stars and planets are round, why galaxies take the shape of tortillas and much more. His renown and respect in his field generates an almost instant reader trust. Tyson’s writing is lively and approachable; he deals with every topic with humor and good will. You may feel as if a knowledgeable friend is explaining the universe to you – one worthy analogy or pop culture reference at a time.

However, Tyson’s strengths can at times turn into his weaknesses: He moves so fast through scientific principles and topics that he may well lose those readers who might appreciate more detail and context. Perhaps he recognises that most people don’t want to understand the scientific principles; they just like hearing him explain the universe’s function. Tyson provides a compelling read for anyone interested in science, the nature of the universe and clear explanations of complex phenomena.

Astro-Box Southern hemisphere

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Author: Philips

Description:4 items in portfolio : color illustrations, maps ; 30 x 33 cm

Contents:Philip’s stargazing with a telescope / Robin Scagell —
Philip’s southern starfinder / John Woodruff —
Philip’s star chart —
Philip’s planisphere.

Australian Astronomer John Tebbut

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Author: Ragbir Bhathal

The life and world of the Man on the $100 note. A house hold name in nineteenth-century Australia, today commemorated on the $100 note and has a crater named after him on the moon. This short account of the life and world of Australia’s premier nineteenth-century astronomer tells a fascinating story of a man who began his professional career with rudimentary scientific instruments and ended up by running a ‘one-man Greenwich Observatory of the Southern Hemisphere’.

AstroAtlas

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Author: Herald & Bobroff

(This large format book is rare, fragile and not available for loan and field use.)

214 Star Charts for Equinox J2000, covering the whole sky at different scales. Provides detailed information on all objects plotted.  The book provides – six series of charts, drawn at different scales. Three series of charts each cover the whole sky (at different scales). A further three series provide detailed charts of selected regions of the sky; and symbols which conveniently encode considerable information about each object plotted – eliminating the need to access catalogues to ascertain the principal characteristics of objects. (255 pages A3, Published 1994)